Paul O'Grady (63), of Dublin Road, Tuam, Galway -- a former teacher, publican, auctioneer and peace commissioner -- had pleaded not guilty to 12 charges of indecent assault on dates between 1974 and 1976.

Judge Frank O'Donnell had earlier withdrawn six charges from the jury and told them that they were to find Mr O'Grady not guilty on these offences "as directed by the judge".

The jury took almost three hours to reach the verdict on the remaining charges on day four of the trial before Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.

The judge thanked the jury for the obvious care and attention they had given in the trial before he discharged Mr O'Grady from the indictment, telling him he was "free to go".